World Traveller 73 
The city of Warsaw, Poland is home to one of the most important historical features to the Jewish Community; the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Our time in Warsaw took us past some of the subtle memorials to this horrific part of World War II history, along with developing a better appreciation for the events surrounding this part of Jewish history.
This post is one chapter on our second Round the World trip via Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Poland. This trip was redeemed through Air Canada’s Aeroplan and through Starwood Preferred Guest (Marriott Bonvoy) loyalty programs. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
Read More from This Trip
- Trip Introduction: The Khors of Oman, Cherry Blossoms in Japan, & Pirogies in Poland. Round the World #2 via Star Alliance Business Class on ANA, Thai, Etihad, Turkish & Lufthansa.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver Trans-border
- Air Canada Express: Vancouver – Seattle
- United Club Lounge Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Club at SEA Lounge, “S” Concourse, Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- ANA Staggered Business Class: Seattle – Tokyo Narita
- ANA Arrivals Lounge – Tokyo Narita
- The Westin Tokyo
- Meiji Jingu Shine & Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
- The Imperial Palace and Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan
- Tsukiji Fish Market and Ginza Shopping, Tokyo, Japan
- Cherry Blossoms and a Night out in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- ANA Lounge, Narita Terminal One, Tokyo, Japan
- Asiana Airlines Business Class, Tokyo Narita – Seoul Incheon
- Hyatt Regency Incheon
- Asiana Business Lounge, Terminal One Concourse, Seoul Incheon
- Thai Airways Business Class: Seoul Incheon – Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Business Class: Bangkok Survharnabhumi – Dubai
- The Grosvenor House Apartments, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- At the Top, Visiting the Worlds’ Tallest Observation Deck, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Trading at Old Markets of Dubai, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business Lounge, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business, Abu Dhabi – Muscat
- Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat, Oman
- Shopping at Mutrah Souq & The Corniche at Muscat, Oman
- Spotting Underwater Turtles in Bandar Jissah, Yiti, Oman
- Plaza Premium Lounge, Muscat, Oman
- Etihad Airways Pearl Business Class, Muscat – Abu Dhabi
- The Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai International Business Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Turkish Airlines Business Class, Dubai – Istanbul
- Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Istanbul – Zurich
- Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A”, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Zurich – Warsaw
- The Hotel Bristol, Warsaw, Poland
- Strolling Old Town Warsaw, Poland
- Visiting the Remains of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Parks of Warsaw, Poland
- LOT Business Lounge, Warsaw, Poland
- Lufthansa Business Class, Warsaw – Munich
- Lufthansa Business Class, Munich – Vancouver
City Visit: Calling on the Remnants of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the Beautiful Parks of Warsaw, Poland
This post reflects our visit to the Remnants of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. We also visited the Old Town Warsaw Poland.
Wandering through rebuilt Warsaw:
We based ourselves at The Hotel Bristol, A Luxury Collection Hotel near Old Town Warsaw, Poland. It was a great choice and very conveniently located. It was a less than 10 minute walk down pedestrian oriented streets to the Streets of the Old Town, Warsaw, along with being conveniently located to many other Warsaw attractions.
During our stay, we wandered through newer Warsaw. The space continued many apartment blocks reminiscent of Eastern Europe. Life in these structures is much different than mine at home and I find that this type of housing is always an interesting glimpse into Eastern European life.
There were the occasional murals to brighten up the space. This one was reminiscent of the city’s experience with World War Two.
There was also the occasional Soviet inspired structure. These look massive and daunting both at the same time. These relics look interesting in their own special way; a memory of a time past.
City Parks of Warsaw, Poland:
Ogröd Saski
During our stay, we visited many parks of Warsaw, Poland. The city is nicely set up in that there is an ample amount of green space very close to the Old Town. A brief walk from The Hotel Bristol, we found ourselves at Ogröd Saski. Ogröd Saski is a beautiful inner city park that offers a quite respite from the urban towers that surround it.
There were lots of thick forests that surrounded the park. It was exceptionally green and made for some reflective photographs.
We also wandered up to the fountain in the Saxon Garden located inside the middle of the Ogröd Saski park. There were some elegant statues, fountains and monuments worthy of a world class European park.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Near the park, there was a monument to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Polish Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was from a fallen World War I soldier. It was guarded by a ceremonial honour guards of Polish Soldiers while we visited.
About the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising:
As a piece of history refresher, The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising was the 1943 act of Jewish resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto in German-occupied Poland during World War II to oppose Nazi Germany’s final effort to transport the remaining ghetto population to Majdanek and Treblinka death camps.
The uprising started on 19 April, 1943 when the ghetto refused to surrender to the SS police commander, who ordered the burning of the ghetto, block by block, ending on 16 May. A total of 13,000 Jews died, about half of them burnt alive or suffocated.
It was the largest single revolt by Jews during World War II. The Jews knew that the uprising was doomed and their survival was unlikely. According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the uprising was “one of the most significant occurrences in the history of the Jewish people”.
Getting to the Warsaw Ghetto Remnants:
The remnants of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising are in a non descriptive residential part of Warsaw, surrounded by commerical structures.
Visiting the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Remnants:
We also managed to get to the last remaining wall of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. It was a very non descriptive and subdued area, consistent with most European War Memorial attractions.
This was the wall where the German occupiers held the Polish Jewish citizens prior to taking them to the extermination camps. It’s now an understated peaceful apartment complex.
There were a few reminders of the horrors of the Jewish Extermination of the Second World War. A few churches bore reminders of the lives lost, in addition to certain monuments in select areas of Warsaw.
Returning the Old Town:
Before departing, we returned to Old Town, Warsaw for a little of Warsaw’s patio scene.
Warsaw has a terrific street patio scene. You could do some damage here on the bar circuit. Polish Vodka starts at 8.5 PLZ a shot ($2.80 USD). We had the opportunity to try a smooth Polish Vodka Martini with the Polish Zubrowka “bison vodka” (flavored from grass from the Biatowieza Forest on which the bison feed), kripnuk (a honey infused additive) and apple juice, along with the national brew.
It is a great environment after dark, as the light fades and the town streets come alive.
Of course, alcohol has to come with snacks. In this case, it’s high test sausages.
Tasting Perogies in Poland:
We also made the opportunity to taste perigees in Poland. It’s pretty simple to find a perogie restaurant and they are sprinkled throughout Old Town, Warsaw.
These are life’s travel treasures; simple food executed perfectly in their home country.
My thoughts on our City Visit to Warsaw:
Getting back to Warsaw, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. It was very relaxing, with enough to see over a 3-4 day period at a relaxed pace. Although we could have added visits to Krakow or Wroclaw, we opted for a mellow pace and enjoyed every minute of it. We’d highly recommend Warsaw for an interesting stopover on your next multi city reward ticket.
Our trip around the world had us stopping in Poland for three nights in order to check out interesting Warsaw, Poland. We had a few choices of hotels from the Westin Warsaw that appeared to be a dull tower styled property, or the interesting Hotel Bristol which had been around since 1901. I don’t normally enjoy historic properties since they tend to be shabby chic but I am pleased to report that the Hotel Bristol had a full renovation that restored it to it’s former glory.
This post is one chapter on our second Round the World trip via Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Poland. This trip was redeemed through Air Canada’s Aeroplan and through Starwood Preferred Guest (Marriott Bonvoy) loyalty programs. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
Read More from This Trip
- Trip Introduction: The Khors of Oman, Cherry Blossoms in Japan, & Pirogies in Poland. Round the World #2 via Star Alliance Business Class on ANA, Thai, Etihad, Turkish & Lufthansa.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver Trans-border
- Air Canada Express: Vancouver – Seattle
- United Club Lounge Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Club at SEA Lounge, “S” Concourse, Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- ANA Staggered Business Class: Seattle – Tokyo Narita
- ANA Arrivals Lounge – Tokyo Narita
- The Westin Tokyo
- Meiji Jingu Shine & Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
- The Imperial Palace and Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan
- Tsukiji Fish Market and Ginza Shopping, Tokyo, Japan
- Cherry Blossoms and a Night out in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- ANA Lounge, Narita Terminal One, Tokyo, Japan
- Asiana Airlines Business Class, Tokyo Narita – Seoul Incheon
- Hyatt Regency Incheon
- Asiana Business Lounge, Terminal One Concourse, Seoul Incheon
- Thai Airways Business Class: Seoul Incheon – Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Business Class: Bangkok Survharnabhumi – Dubai
- The Grosvenor House Apartments, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- At the Top, Visiting the Worlds’ Tallest Observation Deck, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Trading at Old Markets of Dubai, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business Lounge, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business, Abu Dhabi – Muscat
- Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat, Oman
- Shopping at Mutrah Souq & The Corniche at Muscat, Oman
- Spotting Underwater Turtles in Bandar Jissah, Yiti, Oman
- Plaza Premium Lounge, Muscat, Oman
- Etihad Airways Pearl Business Class, Muscat – Abu Dhabi
- The Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai International Business Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Turkish Airlines Business Class, Dubai – Istanbul
- Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Istanbul – Zurich
- Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A”, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Zurich – Warsaw
- The Hotel Bristol, Warsaw, Poland
- Strolling Old Town Warsaw, Poland
- Visiting the Remains of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Parks of Warsaw, Poland
- LOT Business Lounge, Warsaw, Poland
- Lufthansa Business Class, Warsaw – Munich
- Lufthansa Business Class, Munich – Vancouver
Hotel Review: The Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Warsaw, Poland.
“In existence since 1901, a stay at the most elegant historic hotel in Warsaw, Poland”
Booking and Getting there:
We had identified this property as looked relatively nice and the nicest of the Starwood / Marriott options. I had initially booked on a refundable American Automobile Association rate at 782 PLZ ($210 USD) per night, later switching to a prepaid SPG Hot Escapes rate of only 521 PLZ ($140 USD) per night.
It was located walking distance to the city core and against the park area, making for a very pleasant setting for a hotel stay.
After arriving from our Swiss Airlines Zurich to Warsaw, we hopped in a taxi to the Hotel Bristol. It was a pleasant 20 minute drive listening to modern jazz by a quiet taxi driver. The fare was an easy to handle 55 PLZ ( $18 USD) fare.
We were greeted at the doorway by an older doorman who offered MrsWT73 an umbrella (thanks to the light rain at the time) and the offer to take her bag. Some outdoor photos from the next morning…
Arriving to The Hotel Bristol:
We stepped into the lovely lobby of the Hotel Bristol. The hotel has been in existence since 1901 and is now operated under the Starwood (now Marriott) Luxury Collection brand. The Hotel Bristol has had many famous guests over the years; Pablo Picasso & Sophia Loren, to name a few. It was beautiful and impressive (but historic – read small) lobby and features to the property. The property made an excellent first impression. The old world vintage was similar to our stay at the Westin Madrid; beautiful, ornate and completely different than what you’d see in the America’s.
The Room: A Junior Suite
We had booked a Bristol Executive Room. In keeping with the excellent treatment of SPG Gold status members internationally, we received a one category upgrade to a Junior Suite. Our assigned room #447 was a corner room with 1.5 bathrooms and a separate sitting area on the quiet back side of the hotel. The upgrade certainly added to the overall comfort of the stay.
A Living Area:
The room entered into a living area, immediately after entering the suite. As with many vintage hotels of the 1900’s, the room area is compact and smaller consistent with the times. This also made the room areas smaller, which is part of the turf if you’re choosing to stay in a vintage hotel.
A television rounded out the living space, which was comfortable but small.
A Bedroom with a King:
The bedroom itself was also on the small side. It was nicely appointed and modernized to current decor. The King Size Bed took up a large portion of real estate in the otherwise compact room. There was also a small flat screen television that could be watched from bed.
A Compact Bathroom:
Our Junior Suite had an attached bathroom just off the bedroom. It included a closet area for storage, which was a little compact considering today’s larger travelling suitcases.
The bathroom had been modernized to current grey tones and featured a bath and shower combination.
A Room with a View:
The room had a lovely view from the room that overlooked the park and green space next door. It was very quiet throughout our stay.
Food and Beverage at The Bristol:
Enjoying Breakfast at Cafe Bristol:
Elsewhere on the property, there was a fine dining restaurant “Marconi Restaurant” that we didn’t get the opportunity to partake in. The day after our arrival, the restaurant hosted a Sunday brunch, which was held at the time in Cafe Bristol. After a sleep in, thanks to our earlier Turkish Airlines Dubai – Istanbul flight, we turned up at 12 PM and it looked as though they were packing up. We later learned that Sunday Brunch is offered in Poland between 2 – 4 PM. Needless to say, we were “senior citizen style” fashionably early.
We had breakfast all three mornings at the hotel’s Café Bristol. A full breakfast was available for 56 PLZ ($18 USD). This included full breakfast including eggs, polish sausage, pastries, salad and freshly squeezed juice and espressos. It was my first meal that I was able to fully eat in almost 2 days. I tore through it like no tomorrow. The Polish Breakfast Sausage on this plate was among the finest sausage I had ever tasted in my entire life. It was so flavorful, consistent in texture and authentic tasting.
The Cafe Bristol meets your cafe needs and is everything that you’d expect from a cafe environment.
The Wine Bar
There was avant garde wine bar just off the lobby. The Wine Bar does not appear to be directly affiliated with the hotel as it’s not listed on the hotel website.
We did have a pre-dinner drink here once or twice during our stay and enjoyed it. It’s Western European prices in Eastern Europe (everywhere else in town is cheaper) but it was still reasonable prices for those used to New York wine bars. The decor in this place is pretty neat and perhaps worth the price of admission.
There was also the Column Bar inside the lobby of the Hotel Bristol. It was an elegant but darker space, more accustomed with
Health and Fitness on the Property:
There was a small gym, pool and spa in the basement of the hotel. Being an older property, there isn’t anywhere else to house a gym other than a dark basement. This is pretty consistent for hotel gyms in Europe. We didn’t personally use it, but I certainly would have if I was here on a business trip.
There was also an exercise room with heaps of equipment.
The only hiccup with our stay was with currency exchange. Poland is on the Zloty currency and not the Euro (despite being inside the Shengen border zone). Strangely enough, the hotel does not change money into Polish Zloty. We were stuck on Sunday night trying to find an exchange kantor (counter) in Old Town in order to have dinner. Thankfully, there was a Western Union available that charged us horrible rates. Credit cards (Visa in particular) appeared to be widely accepted for most (but not all) around restaurants in Warsaw.
My Thoughts on our stay at The Hotel Bristol by Luxury Collection:
Overall, we had a lovely stay at this property. We would definitely return here as a first choice when back in Warsaw. It’s a great deal on points as a Category 4 (currently now a Marriott Bonvoy Category 5) property and the room rates, starting at about $100 USD, are very reasonable as well. There are even cheaper Starwood options in Warsaw, such as the Westin Warsaw starting at about $57 USD, if that’s your thing.
In another case of “you can’t get there from here”, we were only able to find frequent flier reward space in business to Warsaw from Istanbul via Zurich. The lone Star Alliance Member that offered non stop service “LOT” had no space available, making us take the longer way to Warsaw via Zurich on Swiss Airlines. As a result, we had a stopover in Zurich on the excellent Swiss Airlines Business Class product while we headed up to Warsaw, Poland.
This post is one chapter on our second Round the World trip via Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Poland. This trip was redeemed through Air Canada’s Aeroplan and through Starwood Preferred Guest (Marriott Bonvoy) loyalty programs. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
Read More from This Trip
- Trip Introduction: The Khors of Oman, Cherry Blossoms in Japan, & Pirogies in Poland. Round the World #2 via Star Alliance Business Class on ANA, Thai, Etihad, Turkish & Lufthansa.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver Trans-border
- Air Canada Express: Vancouver – Seattle
- United Club Lounge Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Club at SEA Lounge, “S” Concourse, Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- ANA Staggered Business Class: Seattle – Tokyo Narita
- ANA Arrivals Lounge – Tokyo Narita
- The Westin Tokyo
- Meiji Jingu Shine & Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
- The Imperial Palace and Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan
- Tsukiji Fish Market and Ginza Shopping, Tokyo, Japan
- Cherry Blossoms and a Night out in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- ANA Lounge, Narita Terminal One, Tokyo, Japan
- Asiana Airlines Business Class, Tokyo Narita – Seoul Incheon
- Hyatt Regency Incheon
- Asiana Business Lounge, Terminal One Concourse, Seoul Incheon
- Thai Airways Business Class: Seoul Incheon – Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Business Class: Bangkok Survharnabhumi – Dubai
- The Grosvenor House Apartments, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- At the Top, Visiting the Worlds’ Tallest Observation Deck, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Trading at Old Markets of Dubai, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business Lounge, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business, Abu Dhabi – Muscat
- Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat, Oman
- Shopping at Mutrah Souq & The Corniche at Muscat, Oman
- Spotting Underwater Turtles in Bandar Jissah, Yiti, Oman
- Plaza Premium Lounge, Muscat, Oman
- Etihad Airways Pearl Business Class, Muscat – Abu Dhabi
- The Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai International Business Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Turkish Airlines Business Class, Dubai – Istanbul
- Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Istanbul – Zurich
- Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A”, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Zurich – Warsaw
- The Hotel Bristol, Warsaw, Poland
- Strolling Old Town Warsaw, Poland
- Visiting the Remains of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Parks of Warsaw, Poland
- LOT Business Lounge, Warsaw, Poland
- Lufthansa Business Class, Warsaw – Munich
- Lufthansa Business Class, Munich – Vancouver
Review: Swiss Airlines Business Class Helvetic Fokker 100, Zurich – Warsaw
“Oh my Word – It’s Legacy”
Mrs World Traveller 73
Today’s third flight of the day was operated by Helvetic Airways, a company that operates flights for Swiss Airways. Helvetic Airways was also known for the Belgian jewellery heist where armed bandits held up the cargo of the plane in Belgium and made off with several million dollars of jewelery bound for Zurich in 2013.
We left the comfortable Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A” Zurich, Switzerland and headed to the A gates.
We had boarded via a bus gate from A51. We were on the last bus being transferred to the aircraft today as MrsWT73 wanted to pick up a bottle of the Swiss wine that’s in the red metal container with the red cross on it. We had a bit of a talking to from the carry on police to MrsWT73 about having an extra bag (containing the wine), despite being in business class today.
“Oh my word – it’s legacy. “ said MrsWT73 as we boarded the Fokker 100 taking us to Warsaw. “If I had known you were going to book me on an old plane, I would have picked a different destination”. As always, famous quotes from a spouse accustomed to luxury travel.
Swiss Air
Operated by Helvetic Airways
Business Class
ZRH-WAW (Zurich International Airport – Franz Chopin International Airport, Warsaw)
LX1352 – Business Class (I)
5:15 PM – 7:10 PM
April 26, 2014
Booked: Fokker 100
Flown: Fokker 100
On Board Helvetic Airlines Short Haul Business Class:
On board, the configuration on the Fokker 100 is 2-3. There are three rows of business class, which is adjustable depending on demand thanks to the sliding curtain. I’d personally never had flown this equipment type before. There was a gate check available for carry ons but thankfully, we didn’t have to use it. My rollie carry on was stowed under one of the empty seats- or actually upright in the footwell of Seat 4A, which was vacant.
Pre-Departure Services:
A pre departure beverage of water was served, as on the last Swiss flight.
The Meal Service: A Full Lunch
Once airborne, dinner was served. Today’s choice was a meatloaf styled dish with mashed potatoes, carrots and gravy, or a vegetarian lasagna. I had the beef.
Being sick while traveling is super de-habilitating. Instead of gobbling down any food put in front of you, I picked away, only eating about 25% of any of the meal. What would otherwise be a dream for me of better European airline catering, I couldn’t get down the rich tasting food. I stuck to water and still remained unable to try the Swiss wine.
We had a quick approach into Warsaw with an uneventful landing. Upon disembarking, I was immediately struck by the many MrsWT73 look alikes’ (MrsWT73 originally hails from the Ukraine). I won’t have any problem visiting here!!
At the baggage claim, bad luck struck again. A second long trip, a second lost bag for me. MrsWT73’ red Hey’s bag arrived okay. I think I will avoid the standard black bag in future. Her bright red one never seems to get lost.
I filed the usual the baggage claim report. There were no promises on when it would arrive. “Perhaps tomorrow…” was told to me in a thick Eastern European accent. I had a bit more confidence in the dealing with the crisp and professional baggage department here in Warsaw than I did in Johannesburg that the bag might actually be found. This time, I wass given a computer printed receipt. Although the fact that it’s between Dubai and Poland meant that it could have been anywhere.
Swiss Airlines Short Haul Business Class Impressions:
Overall, Swiss continues as one of my favourite carriers. The service on board is excellent, and the catering has been generally pretty good. Add a terrific transfer experience in Zurich and some great lounges to go with the experience and you’ve got a recipe for success!
Swiss Airlines is a smaller flag carrier owned and operated by the Lufthansa AG Group who’s holdings include Lufthansa German Airlines, Swiss Airlines, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines. They operate a consistent network across Europe and are a formidable challenger to IAG Group that owns British Airways and Iberia Group. While travelling with the Swiss Airlines group, they offer terrific lounges that are substantially quieter than their Lufthansa Airlines sisters. We visited the Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A” Zurich on our connection through Switzerland.
This post is one chapter on our second Round the World trip via Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Poland. This trip was redeemed through Air Canada’s Aeroplan and through Starwood Preferred Guest (Marriott Bonvoy) loyalty programs. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
Read More from This Trip
- Trip Introduction: The Khors of Oman, Cherry Blossoms in Japan, & Pirogies in Poland. Round the World #2 via Star Alliance Business Class on ANA, Thai, Etihad, Turkish & Lufthansa.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver Trans-border
- Air Canada Express: Vancouver – Seattle
- United Club Lounge Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Club at SEA Lounge, “S” Concourse, Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- ANA Staggered Business Class: Seattle – Tokyo Narita
- ANA Arrivals Lounge – Tokyo Narita
- The Westin Tokyo
- Meiji Jingu Shine & Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
- The Imperial Palace and Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan
- Tsukiji Fish Market and Ginza Shopping, Tokyo, Japan
- Cherry Blossoms and a Night out in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- ANA Lounge, Narita Terminal One, Tokyo, Japan
- Asiana Airlines Business Class, Tokyo Narita – Seoul Incheon
- Hyatt Regency Incheon
- Asiana Business Lounge, Terminal One Concourse, Seoul Incheon
- Thai Airways Business Class: Seoul Incheon – Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Business Class: Bangkok Survharnabhumi – Dubai
- The Grosvenor House Apartments, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- At the Top, Visiting the Worlds’ Tallest Observation Deck, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Trading at Old Markets of Dubai, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business Lounge, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business, Abu Dhabi – Muscat
- Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat, Oman
- Shopping at Mutrah Souq & The Corniche at Muscat, Oman
- Spotting Underwater Turtles in Bandar Jissah, Yiti, Oman
- Plaza Premium Lounge, Muscat, Oman
- Etihad Airways Pearl Business Class, Muscat – Abu Dhabi
- The Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai International Business Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Turkish Airlines Business Class, Dubai – Istanbul
- Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Istanbul – Zurich
- Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A”, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Zurich – Warsaw
- The Hotel Bristol, Warsaw, Poland
- Strolling Old Town Warsaw, Poland
- Visiting the Remains of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Parks of Warsaw, Poland
- LOT Business Lounge, Warsaw, Poland
- Lufthansa Business Class, Warsaw – Munich
- Lufthansa Business Class, Munich – Vancouver
Review: Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A”, Flughafen Zurich Airport, Zurich, Switzerland
This is a review of the Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A” in Zurich, Switzerland. For information on other Swiss Airlines Lounge, and one of the best arrivals’ lounges in the world, we invite you to see a review of the Swiss Airlines Arrivals Lounge Zurich, Switzerland.
Connecting through Flughafen Zurich International Airport:
This was our second time connecting through Zurich in the last 5 months. I’d have to say this is my new favorite transfer airport. Why?
- Everything runs efficiently.
- There has never been a line for inbound or outbound customs or immigration.
- The concourse is spacious and people aren’t running in front of you at all times.
- The regular public food options on the concourse look fresh and appealing.
- The Swiss Arrivals Lounge is fantastic.
- The Swiss Departure Lounges are terrific.
- There is a distinct lack of crowds everywhere.
- There is also never a wait on the runways arriving or departing.
This makes me wonder what the worth is connecting through mega airports that are supposed to offer grandiose experiences (such as the Istanbul Ataturk Lounge or the Etihad Business Class Lounge with a Six Senses Spa) if you have no opportunity to use them since your experience is so disorganized or chaotic that it doesn’t become enjoyable? I think I’d take the understated Swiss Transfer Airport as it has always delivered on its experiences time and time again.
About the Swiss Senator Lounge, Zurich:
The Swiss Airlines Lounge(s) are the Swiss version of sanctuary in an already otherwise peaceful place. Owned by the Lufthansa Group and nestled in a quiet terminal, it’s hard to imagine that the space will be any more peaceful. Thankfully, unlike the typically busy Lufthansa Senator and Business Lounges, the Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge is a quiet place to relax before any flight.
Locating the Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A” Zurich:
The lounge was centrally located in the main concourse of the Zurich International Airport. It is adjacent to the SWISS First Lounge and is easily accessible from the secure side of the concourse.
Accessing the Swiss Airlines Business Lounge:
There were several ways to get into the Swiss Airlines Lounges.
Lufthansa / Swiss typically operates a tiered lounge structure, with different lounges for it’s business class travellers called “Business Lounge” and higher class business lounges for it’s high value customers (including Star Alliance Gold level members), called “Senator Lounge”. Swiss also operates First Class Lounges at select airport locations, including Zurich, Switzerland.
This version of the Swiss Lounge was a Senator Lounge. As a result, it is accessible for Swiss First Class travels or Lufthansa Miles and More Senator level members for those that fly in excess of 100,000 status miles in a calendar year (or higher HON Circle Levels), or Star Alliance Gold Members.
Today’s access was granted at the Senator Lounge courtesy of MrsWT73’s Star Gold Card from the Air Canada Aeroplan program.
Inside the Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge:
The Swiss Senator Lounge “A” is a spacious lounge on three levels with a bottom entry.
The main is on the second floor and consists of the primary seating area, with substantial ambient light courtesy of windows that flow against the roof of the Zurich Airport. Natural light is always appreciated in any lounge space.
Wifi was available free of charge through a free code obtained at the front desk.
Food and Beverage:
As always with Swiss, it is a pleasant ambiance and a good selection of fresh food and beverages. A lounge stocked with Haribo gummy bears and Schweppes Indian Tonic (Tonic Water). Even though there was ample wine, I stuck to water and juice.
The food is always better in Europe and the lounge catering was no exception. We had muffins and other continental breakfast items available.
There was substantial wine and hard spirits available throughout the lounge. Most offerings were on a self pour basis.
Checking out the Longest “Bar” in the World:
The lounge also features the “longest” bar in the world. It’s positioned in a creative way, making use of a long narrow space. It’s located up the stairs on the third floor.
Unfortunately, it’s a smoking zone so I only stuck around for the photograph. It had a slight odour to it and it wasn’t a pleasant place to be. This was likely due to its configuration and slightly confined space. Otherwise, it would have been a neat place to hang out.
They have since re-purposed this space to accommodate lounger suites with views of the aircraft, and have moved the smokers into a designated outside space.
My Thoughts on the Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A” Zurich:
We spent almost 45 minutes here and had pleasant connection experience. Unlike the crowded Lufthansa Senator Lounges in Gernmany, I’ve found the Swiss Lounges in Switzerland to be a much calmer environment. Indeed, the lounge was never stuffed full during our visit. I’d highly recommend the experience.
In a case of “you can’t get there from here”, we were only able to find frequent flier reward space in business to Warsaw from Istanbul via Zurich. The lone Star Alliance Member that offered non stop service “LOT” had no space available, making us take the longer way to Warsaw via Zurich on Swiss Airlines. As a result, we had a stopover in Zurich on the excellent Swiss Airlines Business Class product while we headed up to Warsaw, Poland.
This post is one chapter on our second Round the World trip via Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Poland. This trip was redeemed through Air Canada’s Aeroplan and through Starwood Preferred Guest (Marriott Bonvoy) loyalty programs. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
Read More from This Trip
- Trip Introduction: The Khors of Oman, Cherry Blossoms in Japan, & Pirogies in Poland. Round the World #2 via Star Alliance Business Class on ANA, Thai, Etihad, Turkish & Lufthansa.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver Trans-border
- Air Canada Express: Vancouver – Seattle
- United Club Lounge Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Club at SEA Lounge, “S” Concourse, Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- ANA Staggered Business Class: Seattle – Tokyo Narita
- ANA Arrivals Lounge – Tokyo Narita
- The Westin Tokyo
- Meiji Jingu Shine & Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
- The Imperial Palace and Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan
- Tsukiji Fish Market and Ginza Shopping, Tokyo, Japan
- Cherry Blossoms and a Night out in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- ANA Lounge, Narita Terminal One, Tokyo, Japan
- Asiana Airlines Business Class, Tokyo Narita – Seoul Incheon
- Hyatt Regency Incheon
- Asiana Business Lounge, Terminal One Concourse, Seoul Incheon
- Thai Airways Business Class: Seoul Incheon – Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Business Class: Bangkok Survharnabhumi – Dubai
- The Grosvenor House Apartments, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- At the Top, Visiting the Worlds’ Tallest Observation Deck, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Trading at Old Markets of Dubai, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business Lounge, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business, Abu Dhabi – Muscat
- Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat, Oman
- Shopping at Mutrah Souq & The Corniche at Muscat, Oman
- Spotting Underwater Turtles in Bandar Jissah, Yiti, Oman
- Plaza Premium Lounge, Muscat, Oman
- Etihad Airways Pearl Business Class, Muscat – Abu Dhabi
- The Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai International Business Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Turkish Airlines Business Class, Dubai – Istanbul
- Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Istanbul – Zurich
- Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A”, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Zurich – Warsaw
- The Hotel Bristol, Warsaw, Poland
- Strolling Old Town Warsaw, Poland
- Visiting the Remains of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Parks of Warsaw, Poland
- LOT Business Lounge, Warsaw, Poland
- Lufthansa Business Class, Warsaw – Munich
- Lufthansa Business Class, Munich – Vancouver
Review: Swiss Airlines Business Class A320, Istanbul – Zurich
“Swiss Airlines provided quality service on their short haul flights including richly European meals, which made up for the compact European Short Haul Business Class Seat “
We left the comfortable Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge at Istanbul Atatürk International Airport. We were met at the gate with super efficient Swiss boarding with no real issues. Thankfully, we appeared to be back in the land of organization. We were relieved to be here quite frankly.
Swiss International
Business Class
IST-ZRH (Ataturk International Airport, Istanbul – Zurich International Airport)
LX1801 – Business Class (I)
1:55 PM – 4:05 PM
April 26, 2014
Booked: Airbus 320
Flown: Airbus 320
On Board Swiss Airlines Short Haul Business Class:
We settled into the usual European Business Class which is economy seating with a blocked middle economy seat. Upon seeing the configuration, MrsWT73 proclaimed “Oh my. I hope this isn’t a long flight” . Yes – the curse of Euro-Business Class continues in many forms, shapes and sizes. It’s still remarkable that this product gets sold as business class throughout Europe.
Pre-Departure Services:
We had a simple bottle of Henniez branded still water provided as a pre-departure beverage. This was served along with a refreshing towelettes.
Time to Take Off:
We were number 10 for departure out of IST today with many birds in front.
The excellent treatment by Swiss staff showed early on in the flight. The Maître de Cabine that took care of us called us each by name and took genuine time to deal with us. The in flight service that we’ve had from Swiss has generally been the most interactive and sincere that we’ve had on any carrier. While most Asian carriers offer very attentive service, I personally find it almost too subservient and submissive. The Swiss service, similar to Cathay Pacific, is actually pleasant where you can have a conversation with someone and know that your needs are actually being attended to.
The Meal Service: A Full Lunch
Today’s meal service was a full lunch served all at once. On the menu today was beef bourgeon with spatzle or vegetarian with mozerella balls and risotto. Dessert was chocolate mousse with blueberry and raspberry for dessert.
I was still super sick at this point as a result of food that I likely ate at the resort in Oman. I couldn’t even stomach the Swiss white wine. I stuck with water and juice and picked away at the food.
I sacked out for the rest of the flight. We had a nice approach into Zurich over the lake and we were on the ground before we knew it.
Arriving to Zurich International Airport:
Swiss Airlines Short Haul Business Class Impressions:
Overall, Swiss has to be among my favorite carriers. The service on board is excellent, and the catering has always been wonderful. Add a terrific transfer experience in Zurich and some great lounges to go with the experience and you’ve got a recipe for frequent flier success!
Turkish Airlines has been mounting themselves as a viable alternative to the Middle Eastern Three carriers of Qatar, Etihad and Emirates. Turkish Airlines offer excellent connectivity to over 120 countries from their connection hub in Istanbul Turkey and also through their network Star Alliance. In order to mount a reasonable competitive offence to these carriers, they have upped their lounge offering in order to elevate their standing. In doing so, they’ve established their flagship Turkish Business Class Lounge as one of the largest business class lounges in the world with seating capacity for over one thousand staff. We invite you to read on to see how the lounge compares to other business lounges in the world.
This post is one chapter on our second Round the World trip via Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Poland. This trip was redeemed through Air Canada’s Aeroplan and through Starwood Preferred Guest (Marriott Bonvoy) loyalty programs. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
Read More from This Trip
- Trip Introduction: The Khors of Oman, Cherry Blossoms in Japan, & Pirogies in Poland. Round the World #2 via Star Alliance Business Class on ANA, Thai, Etihad, Turkish & Lufthansa.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver Trans-border
- Air Canada Express: Vancouver – Seattle
- United Club Lounge Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Club at SEA Lounge, “S” Concourse, Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- ANA Staggered Business Class: Seattle – Tokyo Narita
- ANA Arrivals Lounge – Tokyo Narita
- The Westin Tokyo
- Meiji Jingu Shine & Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
- The Imperial Palace and Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan
- Tsukiji Fish Market and Ginza Shopping, Tokyo, Japan
- Cherry Blossoms and a Night out in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- ANA Lounge, Narita Terminal One, Tokyo, Japan
- Asiana Airlines Business Class, Tokyo Narita – Seoul Incheon
- Hyatt Regency Incheon
- Asiana Business Lounge, Terminal One Concourse, Seoul Incheon
- Thai Airways Business Class: Seoul Incheon – Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Business Class: Bangkok Survharnabhumi – Dubai
- The Grosvenor House Apartments, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- At the Top, Visiting the Worlds’ Tallest Observation Deck, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Trading at Old Markets of Dubai, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business Lounge, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business, Abu Dhabi – Muscat
- Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat, Oman
- Shopping at Mutrah Souq & The Corniche at Muscat, Oman
- Spotting Underwater Turtles in Bandar Jissah, Yiti, Oman
- Plaza Premium Lounge, Muscat, Oman
- Etihad Airways Pearl Business Class, Muscat – Abu Dhabi
- The Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai International Business Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Turkish Airlines Business Class, Dubai – Istanbul
- Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Istanbul – Zurich
- Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A”, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Zurich – Warsaw
- The Hotel Bristol, Warsaw, Poland
- Strolling Old Town Warsaw, Poland
- Visiting the Remains of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Parks of Warsaw, Poland
- LOT Business Lounge, Warsaw, Poland
- Lufthansa Business Class, Warsaw – Munich
- Lufthansa Business Class, Munich – Vancouver
Review: Turkish Airlines Lounge, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
Connecting through Istanbul Atatürk International Airport:
We had initially planned for a 3 hour connection in Istanbul Atatürk Airport, between our flight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates onto our onward flight to Zurich, Switzerland. The planned time was to be able to enjoy the second expansion phase of the already good Turkish Airlines Istanbul Lounge. Unfortunately, the Turkish flight delay from our arriving Turkish Airlines Dubai – Istanbul flight, only gave us about 45 minutes in the lounge.
Every time I have connected or passed through Istanbul (with our 5th visit today), it’s been an overcrowded gong show. I wouldn’t describe it as a pleasant experience.
After arriving off the Turkish Airlines Dubai flight, we re-cleared security with long lines, then walked upstairs to the departure level concourse. We raced through the Istanbul Atatürk airport, which was a thronged mess of travellers. We were passed by several of our fellow business class passengers on the concourse who were in an outright run to find and make their own connecting gates for their flights to the United States. Of course, there was no ground staff available to assist anyone attempting to make connecting flights.
About the Turkish Airlines International Lounge:
Turkish has advertised it’s lounge as a fabulous place. From their internal Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles newsletter, they offer the following description of the Istanbul Lounge:
- Amongst its new services is a lovely little tea garden reminiscent of those found in Istanbul that provides an experience similar to places in the city where both residents and visitors can enjoy freshly brewed Turkish tea and simit, a traditional Turkish sesame seed bagel.
- Or for those looking for a bit more excitement before their flight, there is a miniature model of Istanbul in which guests may experience a virtual car rally as well as play other game consoles and electronic diversions.
- Turkish Airlines is a well-known enthusiastic supporter of golf worldwide, including its support for the “Turkish Airlines Open”, and as such the lounge also includes a realistic golf simulator for passengers interested in proving their skills while waiting for a flight.
- Unique tastes of Turkish and global dishes
- For those interested in Turkish cuisine, the lounge provides some of the unique tastes of Turkish and global dishes you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Amongst other treats, you’ll find freshly prepared pastries from Vienna’s famous pastry shop Demel.
- Also, make sure not to miss the local corner where chefs prepare regional Turkish delicacies that appeal to both the eye, nose and the taste buds under a classically designed copper range hood–including “mantı” (Traditional Turkish beef ravioli) and “gözleme” (A traditional Turkish pastry dish of hand-rolled dough brushed with butter and eggs and stuffed with light savory goods). In another corner guests can sample famous specialties such as “pide” (Some say the original pizza) and “börek” (a pastry of phyllo dough stuffed with savories), both cooked in its special oven. Plus, throughout the lounge there are offerings of fresh fruit, salads, appetizers and nuts all offered as part of Turkish hospitality.
- The lounge is operated by Turkish Airlines’ catering partner, TURKISH DO&CO, a group that has repeatedly won awards for providing Turkish Airlines’ passengers with the best meals in the sky.
The Turkish Airlines Lounge at Istanbul Atatürk International Airport was the primary lounge for both Business Class travelers, Star Alliance Gold level travelers, and premium passengers from the Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles frequent flier programs.
Locating the Turkish Airlines Istantbul Atatürk Lounge:
The lounge was centrally located in the main concourse of the Istanbul Atatürk Airport Departure Hall. It was always a busy throng in this zone, and the lounge was located off to the left hand side if you were coming from the departures security screening check point. If you were connecting like we were, you’d pop up at various points on the concourse dependent on the security screening check point that you had used. In this case, it’s typically a right turn to get towards the lounge.
Accessing the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge:
There were several ways to get into the wonderful Turkish Airlines Business Lounge.
For members of the Turkish Airlines Frequent Flier Miles and Smiles program, on domestic flights, our Classic Plus members can enter Turkish Airlines Lounges and enjoy all the services on offer, even when traveling in Economy Class. Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles Elite and Elite Plus members, along with one guest, have free entry to Turkish Airlines Lounges on both domestic and international flights. Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles Elite and Elite Plus members, along with one guest, can also make use of Star Alliance Gold logo special passenger lounges at all airports outside Turkey.
For those travelling on Star Alliance Carriers, for those having Star Alliance Gold level or higher, also have access. Naturally, those departing on Turkish Airlines in business class also have access.
After locating the lounge entrance, we used the E-gates to access the lounge. They are supposed to accept your boarding pass and automatically allow access. Of the three gates, one was broken. There was a scrum at the lounge dragon desk. We tried to scan our way in and it turned out we were scanning the exit gates. We ended up just walking in the lounge unchallenged by staff since the gates were stuck in the open position.
Inside the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge:
Getting back to our experience, the lounge is split into two levels. The primary access at lounge reception is on the upper level. With a capacity for 1,039 people, it is a massive place.
On our visit, it seemed to be full of people going everywhere and in every direction; a chaotic experience made worse by rushing. The lounge even offered peek – boo views of the long lines evident outside at security waiting to get into the departure concourse as well for immigration.
One of the first things to see at this lounge is the giant two story Turkish Airlines circular globe that fronts the staircases to the lower levels.
By all accounts, this lounge is indeed among the best business lounges in the world. It was probably about 40% occupied while we were here, with a downstairs that was hardly used. The upper level had the most convenient seating, with lounge chairs stretching around the perimeter of the square lounge.
The lounge featured an unadvertised “Massage Therapist”, who was working the rounds on the upper level.
In addition to lounge chairs, there were lots of amenities available to keep yourself entertained. The upper level also offered a library styled pool table, and a large television room for pausing for the news. The pool table is almost always in use whenever I’ve passed through and was proven itself as a popular feature.
Checking out the lower level, the lounge featured almost every possible amenity; golf simulators, pool table, go kart racing and television rooms. They have placed most of these amenities downstairs, where they have a little extra space.
There was an additional television media area on the lower level, which was quieter than the upstairs main level.
There were additional table seating downstairs, which offered a much more quiet ambience.
The lounge was so large, it’s one of the view that I’ve visited, that’s actually needed it’s own map.
Food and Beverage:
There were ample places to eat in the Turkish Airlines Lonuge. It would be one of the lounge’s best features. The lounge offered highlights of Turkish cuisine, you could locate flatbread, Turkish pasta, spices and olives with great olive oil. The food is a very popular feature of the lounge so expect short queues while you wait to collect your food.
Today’s food included marinated chicken kebabs being cooked fresh, a popcorn machine, and a separate Turkish Street food area. The high ceilings made for a pleasant ambience as well, while we snacked away.
The Turkish street cart was closed on our visit. The Turkish Street Cart is usually situated under the globe on the Lower Level and features baked bread.
One thing that the lounge was missing was a proper bar. Most of the alcohol is on a self service, self pour variety and includes wine and some spirits. There were limited quantities, which is surprisingly so considering the worldwide clientele that passes through this place.
MrsWT73 of course had her opinions: “This place is drop dead gorgeous. Amazing! It’s better than Lufthansa First Class Terminal” Really? Despite being a great business class lounge, I wasn’t that impressed. The place was packed and felt like a souq at off hours- people coming and going all directions and staggering around looking for food. Most of the food is centralized, where there are some smaller drink stations at various places. I didn’t find the food offerings consistent, so people end up wandering around all over the place looking for different types of food. I concluded it was an excellent business lounge, but lacked the exclusivity, privacy and tranquility of a genuine First Class lounge.
My Thoughts on the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge:
The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge is among one of the best Star Alliance Lounges Worldwide.
It is a massive space that seats over one thousand people, and offers among the best variety in Middle East Lounge food out there, with staff to feed a small army. With amenities ranging from massage therapists, to a golf simulator, it’s probably one of the best featured lounges I’ve been in for a while.
It can tend to be a busy spot, so I wouldn’t call it a relaxing place. Despite this, it’s is well worth a visit to spend a little time before your flight, if only to say that you’ve been in the world class Turkish Airlines Business Lounge.
Turkish Airlines is one the major carriers in Star Alliance. With flights to more destinations than any other carriers, and service to over 123 countries, they are almost a necessary carrier to deal with if you’re going to piece together large international Asian or Africa redemptions on a Star Alliance Frequent Flier Program. Our flight today was part of that strategy; using their services to get from Dubai up to Poland. We hopped on our first leg of the day courtesy of their wide body services leaving Dubai International Airport.
This post is one chapter on our second Round the World trip via Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Poland. This trip was redeemed through Air Canada’s Aeroplan and through Starwood Preferred Guest (Marriott Bonvoy) loyalty programs. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
Read More from This Trip
- Trip Introduction: The Khors of Oman, Cherry Blossoms in Japan, & Pirogies in Poland. Round the World #2 via Star Alliance Business Class on ANA, Thai, Etihad, Turkish & Lufthansa.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver Trans-border
- Air Canada Express: Vancouver – Seattle
- United Club Lounge Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Club at SEA Lounge, “S” Concourse, Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- ANA Staggered Business Class: Seattle – Tokyo Narita
- ANA Arrivals Lounge – Tokyo Narita
- The Westin Tokyo
- Meiji Jingu Shine & Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
- The Imperial Palace and Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan
- Tsukiji Fish Market and Ginza Shopping, Tokyo, Japan
- Cherry Blossoms and a Night out in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- ANA Lounge, Narita Terminal One, Tokyo, Japan
- Asiana Airlines Business Class, Tokyo Narita – Seoul Incheon
- Hyatt Regency Incheon
- Asiana Business Lounge, Terminal One Concourse, Seoul Incheon
- Thai Airways Business Class: Seoul Incheon – Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Business Class: Bangkok Survharnabhumi – Dubai
- The Grosvenor House Apartments, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- At the Top, Visiting the Worlds’ Tallest Observation Deck, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Trading at Old Markets of Dubai, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business Lounge, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business, Abu Dhabi – Muscat
- Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat, Oman
- Shopping at Mutrah Souq & The Corniche at Muscat, Oman
- Spotting Underwater Turtles in Bandar Jissah, Yiti, Oman
- Plaza Premium Lounge, Muscat, Oman
- Etihad Airways Pearl Business Class, Muscat – Abu Dhabi
- The Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai International Business Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Turkish Airlines Business Class, Dubai – Istanbul
- Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Istanbul – Zurich
- Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A”, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Zurich – Warsaw
- The Hotel Bristol, Warsaw, Poland
- Strolling Old Town Warsaw, Poland
- Visiting the Remains of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Parks of Warsaw, Poland
- LOT Business Lounge, Warsaw, Poland
- Lufthansa Business Class, Warsaw – Munich
- Lufthansa Business Class, Munich – Vancouver
Review: Turkish Airlines Business Class A330-2 Dubai – Istanbul
“Turkish Airlines connected us on a mid haul flight from Dubai to Istanbul with great catering and a comfortable angle flat seat. However, the airline mis stepped with queues of over 200 at check in, pretty dis-interested staff throughout the day, and gum left on the foot rest seat when boarding“
Unfortunately, the crappy ground treatment at DXB continued. The flight was scheduled to originally depart at 6:55 AM, which was re-scheduled to 8:20 AM on our check in. After some time at the Dubai International Lounge, and some better time at the Lufthansa Senator Lounge, we held in the gate holding lounge at 8:15 AM with no action.
Turkish Airlines
Business Class
DXB-IST (Dubai International Airport – Ataturk International Airport, Istanbul)
TK763 – Business Class (I)
6:55 AM – 10:45 AM
April 26, 2014
Booked: Airbus 330-300
Flown: Airbus 330-200
Boarding Turkish Airlines:
An announcement was eventually made for business class boarding and the gate was swarmed. It was probably among the worst boarding experience I’ve ever had. We didn’t have any effort or attempt to enforce any boarding zones or priorities. There were two other gate staff at the rear of the holding area not attempting to help. This left one poor lady attempting to check boarding passes of all of the two hundred and fifty passengers. To make matters more rosy, there was other ground staff pushing a wheel chair out of the gate area in the opposite direction of the crowd asking people to let them thru. I asked her to wait since we couldn’t move and she brushed me off “…but I have another flight to get to”.
Somewhere through this, another manager type person turns up on the jet bridge side wearing traditional Emirati garb, yelling out loud “What is this? Move back people!” but made no efforts himself to make any announcements or correct the situation. It was a comical “everyone for themselves” situation, which I found less amusing considering I had been up since 3:30 AM today. I know… “first world problems” but if you are going to advertise premium services for premium passengers, then premium passengers actually expect to receive what was paid for.
On Board Turkish Airlines Business Class:
Once we were through the mess, we entered onto the plane via double bridge boarding into a pleasantly recently reconfigured Turkish Airlines Business Class cabin. It was a bit surprising with the double jet bridge… Frankly, if you don’t care about the boarding experience, why bother with the effort of double bridge boarding?
On board in the Airbus 330-200 series cabin, we had pleasant colors on the angle flat seats. The business class configuration today was 2-2-2 with staggered seating between the aisles and the center row. The inner seat against the window does not have direct aisle access, meaning that you have to step over your travelling seat mate.
While these seats are great for travelling with a partner, they are not so private for travelling on your own since you have to share a bank of two seats. The most private seats are against the windows, whereas the center bank seats are likely the most exposed.
From the seat itself, there was a reasonable view of the cabin. The Turkish Airlines Business Class seats are relatively low, making for an airy space. There are no partitions between the aisle seats and the walkway, so the aisle seats have some exposure.
Getting back to the angle flat seat itself, the seat had multiple controls. They included head rests, a lounger function, and a massage feature.
The video controls were controlled via wired remote.
As we settled into the seat, we waited for the rest of the cabin to board. The staff appeared pretty apathetic, but I guess they had gotten up at 3:30 AM like the rest of us and probably hadn’t been paid in 2 hours sitting on the ground waiting for an inbound aircraft.
Setting the tone of the attitude of the whole experience so far, I was witness to some really disrespectful and rude behaviors by other fellow business class passengers. I witnessed a man talking down to flight attendants to stow their bags for them in the overheads because they arrived last and the bin space immediately above their seats were taken. I am guessing the FA’s on Turkish, based on the regions that they serve, are somewhat exposed to this on a regular basis.
Despite the nice redesigned cabin, Turkish continues make an impression. Yep, that’s someone else’s wad of gum on the foot rest. Obviously overlooked by the cleaning staff, it was immediately present when I sat down. MrsWT73 also had her own piece for her seat (not pictured).
Pre Departures Services:
We were offered a pre departure beverage of lemon and mint again today. MrsWT73 had orange juice. The Turkish Airlines Lemon and Mint is always a great choice and a nice and tasty way to start a flight.
Time to Take Off:
As we got underway, we had onboard and cabin announcements in Turkish, English and Arabic. We didn’t get any apologies or mention of the two hour delay from either cabin staff or the pilots. We had a quick taxi outbound with great plane spotting. I think I saw 12 Emirates Airbus 380’s on the taxi and take off.
On the way out, I followed the flight track on the video screen. The flight track was to take us up over the Persian Gulf, through Iraq over Turkey then up to Istanbul.
The Amenity Kits: Unbranded with Bogner
As we got to altitude, amenity kits were handed out right off the trolley cart along with newspapers. It was a middle of the road amenity kit with some useful items in it. The kit itself was unbranded and marked as “Turkish Airlines”, while featuring Bogner moisturizing creams.
The Meal Service: A Full Breakfast
As service continued the flight, breakfast menus were handed out. Our drink order was taken but no meal orders taken. Turkish Airlines typically features a long elongated menu and separate drinks card. There is not always a wine list offered with the drinks card, or rather, on the ten or so Turkish Airlines Business Class flights, I’ve usually only seen them presented on the long haul business class flights.
The food was presented in two courses. Since I was still feeling a little ill, I managed to peck away at a bit of food but not too much. MrsWT73 approved of the catering which was the standard (and typically excellent) DO & CO catering.
I continued on with the Omelette with Cheese and Potatoes.
After breakfast, I attempted some more sleep. The blanket that was left on seat that had the thickness of a Kleenex. It was like trying to sleep with a napkin over you.
Despite this, I did end up sleeping for a few hours. Overall, the seat was much more comfortable than the Thai Airways Airbus 330 Business Class seat. This was in part due to the angle of the Turkish Airlines Seat lying almost fully flat, and the comfortable foot rest that contained the left over gum depository.
Our flight path today took us well around Syria and eventually into a holding pattern outside of Istanbul Ataruk.
Arriving to Istanbul Ataturk International Airport:
We eventually landed in Istanbul Ataturk airport and taxied to a very remote stand by the Turkish Technick hangars.
On disembarkation, the business class passengers got the opportunity to board a short VIP bus. Economy class passengers were held back to allow biz to disembark. We ended up landing 1 hour 52 minutes late off schedule.
Turkish Airlines Business Class Impressions:
I want to love Turkish Airlines but I just can’t. On the plus side, they play well in Star Alliance, offer a great reward availability calendar, have great catering and service so many destinations. Turkish Airlines are making attempts to be better with an updated cabin, better lounge environment and great catering.
However, it’s difficult to enjoy the experience with long queues with ground staff, the attitude of the staff is apathetic and disinterested, and your connection experience is terrible that you never want to come back? Overall, the flight itself was quite a gruff experience with staff that served competently, but without any real compassion or warmth to their jobs. I didn’t know it at the time, but it was here at Istanbul Ataturk that Turkish Airlines (or ground staff at Istanbul Ataturk Airport) lost my luggage.
We had a brief visit to the mysteriously unbranded Business Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport. The lounge was offered to us as part of business class lounge privileges courtesy of flying Turkish Airlines. While it was a straightforward visit and offered everything that you’d expect from a business lounge, it was a pretty bare bones experience with a somewhat dated decor.
This post is one chapter on our second Round the World trip via Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Poland. This trip was redeemed through Air Canada’s Aeroplan and through Starwood Preferred Guest (Marriott Bonvoy) loyalty programs. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
Read More from This Trip
- Trip Introduction: The Khors of Oman, Cherry Blossoms in Japan, & Pirogies in Poland. Round the World #2 via Star Alliance Business Class on ANA, Thai, Etihad, Turkish & Lufthansa.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver Trans-border
- Air Canada Express: Vancouver – Seattle
- United Club Lounge Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Club at SEA Lounge, “S” Concourse, Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- ANA Staggered Business Class: Seattle – Tokyo Narita
- ANA Arrivals Lounge – Tokyo Narita
- The Westin Tokyo
- Meiji Jingu Shine & Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
- The Imperial Palace and Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan
- Tsukiji Fish Market and Ginza Shopping, Tokyo, Japan
- Cherry Blossoms and a Night out in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- ANA Lounge, Narita Terminal One, Tokyo, Japan
- Asiana Airlines Business Class, Tokyo Narita – Seoul Incheon
- Hyatt Regency Incheon
- Asiana Business Lounge, Terminal One Concourse, Seoul Incheon
- Thai Airways Business Class: Seoul Incheon – Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Business Class: Bangkok Survharnabhumi – Dubai
- The Grosvenor House Apartments, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- At the Top, Visiting the Worlds’ Tallest Observation Deck, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Trading at Old Markets of Dubai, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business Lounge, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business, Abu Dhabi – Muscat
- Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat, Oman
- Shopping at Mutrah Souq & The Corniche at Muscat, Oman
- Spotting Underwater Turtles in Bandar Jissah, Yiti, Oman
- Plaza Premium Lounge, Muscat, Oman
- Etihad Airways Pearl Business Class, Muscat – Abu Dhabi
- The Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai International Business Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Turkish Airlines Business Class, Dubai – Istanbul
- Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Istanbul – Zurich
- Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A”, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Zurich – Warsaw
- The Hotel Bristol, Warsaw, Poland
- Strolling Old Town Warsaw, Poland
- Visiting the Remains of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Parks of Warsaw, Poland
- LOT Business Lounge, Warsaw, Poland
- Lufthansa Business Class, Warsaw – Munich
- Lufthansa Business Class, Munich – Vancouver
Review: Dubai International Business Class Lounge – Terminal One, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
We started off at the Lufthansa Senator Lounge in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Since our gate was at the other end of the airport, we eventually headed up to the closer contract “Dubai International Business Class Lounge”. It was described as “the general lounge for airlines that do not have their own dedicated lounges, as well as approved card holders,”
We used a lounge invitation issued at check in to briefly check out the place. This will be a brief review since we spent less than twenty minutes at this location. The lounge was available to many of the SkyTeam partners prior to them opening a dedicated Skyteam Lounge in Dubai.
The Business Class Lounge Dubai was located in Dubai Terminal One next to Gate C8.
Accessing the Dubai International Business Lounge:
The contract lounge was accessed via an invitation from Turkish Airlines. Access appeared to be on an invitation basis based on issuance from airlines that are using Dubai Terminal One at this particular end of the terminal.
Inside the Dubai International Business Lounge:
The lounger offered some general table seating in addition to a few select loungers. It actually wasn’t that bad a space and was quite spacious. The lounge offered lots of natural light thanks to its position against the large glass windows of the walls of the Dubai International Airport.
What the lounge didn’t have was a super stylish decor and was a little bit old in it’s appearance. While it’s not a fashion show, the lounge decor works it way into the style and relaxation of spending time in a place and not having it look like your mother’s basement from growing up in the nineteen seventies.
Food and Beverage:
Being breakfast hour, there was the usual breakfast items on offer for the lounge visitors. Today’s offerings were sliced fruit, breakfast sandwiches and a cheese board of cheese and small sandwiches.
My Thoughts on the Dubai International Business Lounge:
The Dubai International Business Lounge was a reasonable contract lounge available for Turkish Airlines business passengers.
It offered everything that someone would need in a lounge: food, space and wi-fi internet connections. The lounge offered lots of daylight, which is always a good thing. It wasn’t a super stylish place to be, thanks to some dated decor. As a result, I chalk this place up to a spot to spend time in, only if you don’t have a need to be anywhere else.
When it came time to depart Dubai International Airport, we had the opportunity to call in on a Lufthansa Senator Lounge. Lufthansa typically offers a quality lounge product and it’s especially terrific when you get the opportunity to visit at one of their quieter outstations. This lounge met that quiet description with a comfortable place to relax and get some breakfast nibbles prior to our flight.
This post is one chapter on our second Round the World trip via Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Poland. This trip was redeemed through Air Canada’s Aeroplan and through Starwood Preferred Guest (Marriott Bonvoy) loyalty programs. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
Read More from This Trip
- Trip Introduction: The Khors of Oman, Cherry Blossoms in Japan, & Pirogies in Poland. Round the World #2 via Star Alliance Business Class on ANA, Thai, Etihad, Turkish & Lufthansa.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver Trans-border
- Air Canada Express: Vancouver – Seattle
- United Club Lounge Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Club at SEA Lounge, “S” Concourse, Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- ANA Staggered Business Class: Seattle – Tokyo Narita
- ANA Arrivals Lounge – Tokyo Narita
- The Westin Tokyo
- Meiji Jingu Shine & Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
- The Imperial Palace and Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan
- Tsukiji Fish Market and Ginza Shopping, Tokyo, Japan
- Cherry Blossoms and a Night out in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- ANA Lounge, Narita Terminal One, Tokyo, Japan
- Asiana Airlines Business Class, Tokyo Narita – Seoul Incheon
- Hyatt Regency Incheon
- Asiana Business Lounge, Terminal One Concourse, Seoul Incheon
- Thai Airways Business Class: Seoul Incheon – Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Business Class: Bangkok Survharnabhumi – Dubai
- The Grosvenor House Apartments, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- At the Top, Visiting the Worlds’ Tallest Observation Deck, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Trading at Old Markets of Dubai, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business Lounge, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business, Abu Dhabi – Muscat
- Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat, Oman
- Shopping at Mutrah Souq & The Corniche at Muscat, Oman
- Spotting Underwater Turtles in Bandar Jissah, Yiti, Oman
- Plaza Premium Lounge, Muscat, Oman
- Etihad Airways Pearl Business Class, Muscat – Abu Dhabi
- The Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai International Business Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Turkish Airlines Business Class, Dubai – Istanbul
- Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Istanbul – Zurich
- Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A”, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Zurich – Warsaw
- The Hotel Bristol, Warsaw, Poland
- Strolling Old Town Warsaw, Poland
- Visiting the Remains of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Parks of Warsaw, Poland
- LOT Business Lounge, Warsaw, Poland
- Lufthansa Business Class, Warsaw – Munich
- Lufthansa Business Class, Munich – Vancouver
Review: Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Checking into Turkish Airlines Business Class:
It was a gross 3:30 AM wake up for our next leg the very next morning. I actually felt somewhat rested having had a clear 8 hours of deep sleep at the Four Points Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. MrsWT73 pre-ordered a general taxi through the front desk, which was down in the lobby as promised at 4:30 AM. A quick ride and 33 AED later and we were at the airport.
I’m sad to report that the whole Turkish experience for us this leg was a disaster. It was by far the worst “long haul” business flight in a long time.
These were first world problems that I describe here. People can take the position that it’s travel on a free ticket and that you only have a legitimate complaint if you’re on a paid fare ticket. I prefer to view it as it’s a ticket that’s been paid for with miles or cash. It’s no easy feat to get Aeroplan 165,000 miles or any other high amount of frequent miles for a redemption. Either way, I take the opinion that if you’re being advertised priority services, you should get priority services.
We located the Turkish check in desk, which was a slow boiling melt down in the making. For whatever reason, there were only 4 Dubai ground agents checking in a whole Airbus 330 designed to carry 288 passengers. In union contract rules, all were refusing to start work by sitting stationary at their podiums until exactly two hours before flight departure time. This led to a huge snaking line of more than 100 economy passengers already waiting. We found the business line but waited about 10-12 minutes to get checked in as only one agent was handling business passengers and the other business agent was serving the economy line despite being posted otherwise on the monitors.
Our experience with Turkish had another development when a flight delay was explained matter of fact when we made it to the podium. This would add another hour and twenty minutes to our wait time in Dubai.
Of course, flying with Turkish meant the usual seat assignment issues. As some may know, the seat map for Turkish doesn’t open until 100 days before the flight. Even if you shave a ticket, you are not normally able to get your favoured seat. I was unable to assign seats online thanks to Turkish Airlines glitchy website. I called the Turkish Reservations office to get seats assigned together. I then dealt with a gruff agent who indicated that it was all sorted. Of course, on check in the seats were not together. I asked to have them re-assigned together. Thankfully, this was completed at the counter without issues and there were seats still available together.
We were provided an invitation to the Dubai Business Lounge located next to Gate C8. Since we had extra time, we initially opted for the Lufthansa Senator Lounge.
Accessing the Lufthansa Senator Lounge:
Lufthansa typically operates a tiered lounge structure, with different lounges for it’s business class travellers called “Business Lounge” and higher class business lounges for it’s high value customers (including Star Alliance Gold level members), called “Senator Lounge”. Lufthansa also operates First Class Lounges at select German airport locations, in addition to separating off portions of other Lufthansa Lounges for First Class Travels.
This version of the Lufthansa Senator Lounge was located in Dubai Terminal One between Gate 123 and Gate 125.
This version of the Lufthansa Lounge was a Senator Lounge. As a result, it is accessible for Lufthansa First Class travels or Lufthansa Miles and More Senator level members for those that fly in excess of 100,000 status miles in a calendar year (or higher HON Circle Levels), or Star Alliance Gold Members. Lufthansa Business Class travellers are typically granted access to the Marhaba Lounge immediately across the hall.
Today’s access was granted at the Senator Lounge courtesy of MrsWT73’s Star Gold Card from the Air Canada Aeroplan program.
Being that The Lufthansa Senator Lounge is only required to operate for Lufthansa flights, it had some odd evening hours being only open between 6 PM through the night to 9 AM.
Inside the Lufthansa Senator Lounge:
The Lufhansa Lounge was of course pleasant. It was the smallest Lufthansa Senator Lounge that I’ve ever been in with seating for only sixty eight travellers. I can see why when it’s over capacity here that they restrict access as they did on our last trip through DXB.
The Lufthansa Senator Lounge was completely empty except for us for a whole hour. As with most Lufthansa Lounges, it offered a consistent, quiet and professional place to relax prior to a flight.
The lounge offered attached bathrooms. You can probably tell by now how sick I was by the number of times I’ve mentioned this of late. Despite this, it is a very convenient feature of any lounge.
Food and Beverage:
A small selection of food was also available. It was nothing fancy, but standard quality Lufthansa fare. The morning snacks included hot breakfast items, sandwiches and fresh fruit.
My Thoughts on the Lufthansa Senator Lounge:
The Lufthansa Senator Lounge represented Lufthansa’s continued quality product in airline lounges.
This version of the Lufthansa Senator Lounge went small and intimate with only 68 seats. In doing so, they have kept the space remarkably intimate and relaxing. While their German Lounge locations are typically busy and crowded, their out stations are usually quiet and tranquil. This lounge continued that experience with a peaceful and relaxing visit.
For our one night stopover in Dubai, we ended up at The Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. It was centrally located on Sheikh Zayed Road and was convenient to access both the Dubai Mall and the Dubai International Airport. While we don’t get the opportunity to review many inexpensive properties around the world, this one met all our needs for a free reward night stay.
This post is one chapter on our second Round the World trip via Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Poland. This trip was redeemed through Air Canada’s Aeroplan and through Starwood Preferred Guest (Marriott Bonvoy) loyalty programs. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
Read More from This Trip
- Trip Introduction: The Khors of Oman, Cherry Blossoms in Japan, & Pirogies in Poland. Round the World #2 via Star Alliance Business Class on ANA, Thai, Etihad, Turkish & Lufthansa.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver Trans-border
- Air Canada Express: Vancouver – Seattle
- United Club Lounge Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Club at SEA Lounge, “S” Concourse, Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- ANA Staggered Business Class: Seattle – Tokyo Narita
- ANA Arrivals Lounge – Tokyo Narita
- The Westin Tokyo
- Meiji Jingu Shine & Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
- The Imperial Palace and Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan
- Tsukiji Fish Market and Ginza Shopping, Tokyo, Japan
- Cherry Blossoms and a Night out in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- ANA Lounge, Narita Terminal One, Tokyo, Japan
- Asiana Airlines Business Class, Tokyo Narita – Seoul Incheon
- Hyatt Regency Incheon
- Asiana Business Lounge, Terminal One Concourse, Seoul Incheon
- Thai Airways Business Class: Seoul Incheon – Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Business Class: Bangkok Survharnabhumi – Dubai
- The Grosvenor House Apartments, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- At the Top, Visiting the Worlds’ Tallest Observation Deck, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Trading at Old Markets of Dubai, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business Lounge, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business, Abu Dhabi – Muscat
- Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat, Oman
- Shopping at Mutrah Souq & The Corniche at Muscat, Oman
- Spotting Underwater Turtles in Bandar Jissah, Yiti, Oman
- Plaza Premium Lounge, Muscat, Oman
- Etihad Airways Pearl Business Class, Muscat – Abu Dhabi
- The Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai International Business Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Turkish Airlines Business Class, Dubai – Istanbul
- Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Istanbul – Zurich
- Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A”, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Zurich – Warsaw
- The Hotel Bristol, Warsaw, Poland
- Strolling Old Town Warsaw, Poland
- Visiting the Remains of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Parks of Warsaw, Poland
- LOT Business Lounge, Warsaw, Poland
- Lufthansa Business Class, Warsaw – Munich
- Lufthansa Business Class, Munich – Vancouver
Hotel Review: The Four Points by Sheraton Shiekh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Booking and Getting there:
We stayed here because we only had a short one night stay in Dubai on this leg. We were also using a Canadian American Express SPG Free Weekend Night Award (after a qualifying spend amount). At the time of our stay we were eligible for a Starwood Preferred Guest Category 4 property with our free weekend night certificate. This property appeared to be the among the nicest Category Four hotel in Dubai on offer. It’s since remained as a Category Four property under the Marriott Bonvoy program, making it a great value for points redemptions in an expensive city, with 25,000 points required per night under standard pricing.
It’s fair to say that no one comes to luxurious and exotic Dubai to stay in a Four Points by Sheraton. As a result, the room rates at this particular property are generally pretty low, typically under $200 USD per night. In addition, I have found the suites to be a great value here, pricing at often less than $50 USD per night more for substantially more space.
The Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road is centrally located on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. It offers convenient access (by foot) to the Dubai Metro, making it easy to connect to the Dubai Marina, Deira or other areas of Dubai. It is also reasonably close to the Dubai International Airport.
Arriving to the Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road.
After the Etihad Chauffer dropped us off, we checked in at the Four Points Shiekh Zayed Road, Dubai.
Checking Into the Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road:
The Four Points did not have the impressive lobby of The Grosvenor House, instead having a tiny and busy area. Like many hotels in the United Arab Emirates, it prominently featured photographs of the Shiekh’s in the lobby. Despite a short queue, check in was handled relatively quickly.
The Room: 2 Bedroom Suite, High Floor
Bedroom 1: 1 King,
Bedroom 2: 1 Twin/Single Bed(s),
Bathrooms: 2.5
Despite my tummy illness, the upgrade gods were shining on us. The front desk attendant indicated that they usually upgrade SPG Golds’ up one category of room based on availability. They were fully booked in the next room category so they offered us a double upgrade to a two bedroom apartment. “It’s so large, you can run around in it” the front desk agent claimed.
A Large Living and Dining Area:
The room was large enough to live in an felt closer to the size of a regular apartment than a compact hotel room.
A Full Kitchen along with Dining Space:
There was also a kitchen area and an additional kitchen dining area. It’s always appreciated to have access to kitchen amenities as I certainly miss it when we don’t.
A Spacious One Bedroom King:
There was a large master one bedroom. The room was a little more compact than the living area, but still comfortable nevertheless.
A Second Bedroom:
There was also a spare room containing two singles. This would have been perfect for families that were travelling together.
A Room with a View:
The room on the twenty eighth’ floor featured a great view of the Burj Khalifa on Sheikh Zayed Road. Okay, it was a little peek – a – boo view but it’s still better than nothing. The skyline at night looked pretty terrific.
These photographs were about the extent of my enjoyment of the room thanks to some stomach troubles. After failing to keep down half a Subway Sandwich, I went to bed at 7 PM and didn’t get up until the next morning. The stomach illness cut me down to the point that I was lying in bed in the fetal position in heat sweats softly asking for “help” from anyone that would listen. This turned out to be nobody (laughing).
After collecting some medication for me at the nearby Dubai Mall (one stop away on the Dubai Metro) MrsWT73 took in the couch and watched “Date Night” with Tina Fey and Steve Carrell while we waited for the next leg of our adventure.
The Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road Overall:
The Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road was a convenient stay in Dubai. Tourist travellers that visit Dubai don’t always fall into the “inexpensive” hotel category given the city’s penchant for over the top properties. Having said that, our stay at this property was excellent. We received an excellent upgrade thanks to Starwood Preferred Guest / Marriott Bonvoy Gold status, and the property was conveniently located. The property is conveniently located next to the Dubai Metro, making access around Dubai easy. We’d easily stay here again if we found ourselves connecting through Dubai and needed an easy one night stay.
Our flight with Etihad was like our earlier flights. It really set the stage for excellent flights throughout the Gulf Region. The on board product and catering were excellent. Our ability to access great business class inventory by transferring points into Etihad Guest frequent flier program made for great value redemptions.
This post is one chapter on our second Round the World trip via Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Poland. This trip was redeemed through Air Canada’s Aeroplan and through Starwood Preferred Guest (Marriott Bonvoy) loyalty programs. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
Read More from This Trip
- Trip Introduction: The Khors of Oman, Cherry Blossoms in Japan, & Pirogies in Poland. Round the World #2 via Star Alliance Business Class on ANA, Thai, Etihad, Turkish & Lufthansa.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver Trans-border
- Air Canada Express: Vancouver – Seattle
- United Club Lounge Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Club at SEA Lounge, “S” Concourse, Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- ANA Staggered Business Class: Seattle – Tokyo Narita
- ANA Arrivals Lounge – Tokyo Narita
- The Westin Tokyo
- Meiji Jingu Shine & Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
- The Imperial Palace and Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan
- Tsukiji Fish Market and Ginza Shopping, Tokyo, Japan
- Cherry Blossoms and a Night out in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- ANA Lounge, Narita Terminal One, Tokyo, Japan
- Asiana Airlines Business Class, Tokyo Narita – Seoul Incheon
- Hyatt Regency Incheon
- Asiana Business Lounge, Terminal One Concourse, Seoul Incheon
- Thai Airways Business Class: Seoul Incheon – Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Business Class: Bangkok Survharnabhumi – Dubai
- The Grosvenor House Apartments, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- At the Top, Visiting the Worlds’ Tallest Observation Deck, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Trading at Old Markets of Dubai, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business Lounge, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business, Abu Dhabi – Muscat
- Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat, Oman
- Shopping at Mutrah Souq & The Corniche at Muscat, Oman
- Spotting Underwater Turtles in Bandar Jissah, Yiti, Oman
- Plaza Premium Lounge, Muscat, Oman
- Etihad Airways Pearl Business Class, Muscat – Abu Dhabi
- The Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai International Business Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Turkish Airlines Business Class, Dubai – Istanbul
- Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Istanbul – Zurich
- Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A”, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Zurich – Warsaw
- The Hotel Bristol, Warsaw, Poland
- Strolling Old Town Warsaw, Poland
- Visiting the Remains of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Parks of Warsaw, Poland
- LOT Business Lounge, Warsaw, Poland
- Lufthansa Business Class, Warsaw – Munich
- Lufthansa Business Class, Munich – Vancouver
Review: Etihad Airways Pearl Business Class A320-2, Abu-Dhabi – Muscat
Booking the Flight:
We had booked this ticket through Etihad Guest for 6,000 miles per person for the short one hour flight from Oman to the United Arab Emirates. It was much easier than sorting out all the driving and immigration processes had we traveled by car between the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Etihad Airlines
Business Class
MCT-AUH (Muscat International Airport, Oman – Abu Dhabi Terminal 3 )
EY383 – Pearl Business Class (I)
April 25, 2014
11:10 AM – 12:15 PM
Booked: Airbus 320
Flown: Airbus 320-2
We left from the Plaza Premium Lounge Muscat and proceeded to the gate. A flight delay of 1 hour was announced. We ended up returning to the lounge to wait out the delay.
Returning to the gate, we eventually boarded a bus to get out to the plane. The Pearl Business Class fliers boarded last. We were also held in the bus until all the passengers had boarded to prevent standing in the scorching heat on the outdoor stairs.
On Board Etihad Pearl Business:
As usual, Etihad had their boarding music playing while we boarded the aircraft. It’s hard not to have a relaxing smile listening to this to set the mood at the start of an Etihad flight.
On board again, we settled into the cool green Recaro designed, Etihad Pearl Business class seats. The cabin today was 5 out of 16 occupied.
Pre Departure Services:
A lemon and mint pre departure beverage cooled the stomach today, along with a towel service on a tray.
A short prayer before takeoff as we left Muscat departing from Runway 26 R
Views on the Climb to Cruising Altitude:
There was some interesting aircraft at the airport, which appeared to be shared with the military. We had some interesting views as we climbed to altitude.
We had great views on the climb out. The terrain is so different from the usual greens I typically see in the Pacific Northwest of North America.
In Flight Entertainment & Internet Connectivity:
Like our earlier flight, the in flight entertainment is in a monitor stowed in the arm rest.
Today’s flight featured an in flight wifi hot spot. Prices were reasonable for a longer flight. The connectivity was advertised both via SMS text message and upon signing into the wifi network.
If the internet wasn’t your thing, there was also the Aspire inflight magazine.
The Meal: Light Arabic Snacks
Today’s catering were various Arabic snacks. Given the continued delicate condition, I regretfully wasn’t in a position to enjoy much of them. Still, they were pleasantly presented and I nibbled on them with a glass of champagne.
At the conclusion of the meal services, Fast Track cards were distributed. I really appreciate this feature. Fortunately, we’ve never experienced long immigration lines at Abu Dhabi as we’ve always arrived on short haul jets.
Views on the Descent to Abu Dhabi:
On approach to the landing, we had to do a “go around” on the landing. This added about 15 minutes.
As always, the terrain is so interesting to look at in this part of the world, including full subdivisions mapped out on the approach into Abu Dhabi that have not been constructed yet.
Upon parking at the gate, the jet bridge was broken and had to be reset. Etihad dealt with the issues professionally and empathetically. It’s amazing how a simple apology or empathy can color your impression of an airline.
On landing, we got to see another crazy construction project with the new infield terminal of the Abu Dhabi airport being built. Despite being a small terminal, Abu Dhabi Terminal 3 still has a great décor and appearance upon arrival with arriving passengers and departing passengers mixed together on the same floor.
Using Etihad Chauffeur Drive:
After clearing immigration, we collected our bags and headed to the Etihad Chauffeur desk. With the counter, there were no issues waiting to get picked up or what have you. Our reservation was located without incident.
We were led out to a row of cars and I was asked if I wanted a white Toyota Previa Van or a black Audi A6 today. By passing the family van, we opted for the A6. Our bags were loaded up, including one on the front passenger seat and we were in Dubai before we knew it (1hr of travel time).
We had a pleasant one hour drive up to Dubai, where we headed off to The Four Points by Sheraton on Sheikh Zayed Road for the night, prior to heading onto Poland the next day.
My Last Thoughts on Etihad Pearl Business Class:
Overall, Etihad is a pleasant way to get around the Middle East. Their BA Avios style distance reward chart also makes it quite lucrative for your short flights between the GCC countries. We would fly them again without question. The value of having the Etihad Chauffeur Drive added to these tickets was tremendous and we’d be sad to take another business class flight without it in the future.
On our way out of Muscat, Oman, we were offered access to the Plaza Premium Lounge at Muscat International Airport. The Plaza Premium Lounge group offers a large selection of world wide lounges at airport across Canada, Europe, Asia and India. They partner with many credit card memberships and are also a member of Priority Pass. We took a stop through their Muscat location on our way to the United Arab Emirates courtesy of Ethiad Airways.
This post is one chapter on our second Round the World trip via Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Poland. This trip was redeemed through Air Canada’s Aeroplan and through Starwood Preferred Guest (Marriott Bonvoy) loyalty programs. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.
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Read More from This Trip
- Trip Introduction: The Khors of Oman, Cherry Blossoms in Japan, & Pirogies in Poland. Round the World #2 via Star Alliance Business Class on ANA, Thai, Etihad, Turkish & Lufthansa.
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver Trans-border
- Air Canada Express: Vancouver – Seattle
- United Club Lounge Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- The Club at SEA Lounge, “S” Concourse, Sea-Tac, Seattle, Washington, USA
- ANA Staggered Business Class: Seattle – Tokyo Narita
- ANA Arrivals Lounge – Tokyo Narita
- The Westin Tokyo
- Meiji Jingu Shine & Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
- The Imperial Palace and Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan
- Tsukiji Fish Market and Ginza Shopping, Tokyo, Japan
- Cherry Blossoms and a Night out in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- ANA Lounge, Narita Terminal One, Tokyo, Japan
- Asiana Airlines Business Class, Tokyo Narita – Seoul Incheon
- Hyatt Regency Incheon
- Asiana Business Lounge, Terminal One Concourse, Seoul Incheon
- Thai Airways Business Class: Seoul Incheon – Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Orchid Spa, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge, Bangkok Survharnabhumi
- Thai Airways Business Class: Bangkok Survharnabhumi – Dubai
- The Grosvenor House Apartments, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Afternoon Tea at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- At the Top, Visiting the Worlds’ Tallest Observation Deck, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Trading at Old Markets of Dubai, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business Lounge, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Etihad Pearl Business, Abu Dhabi – Muscat
- Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat, Oman
- Shopping at Mutrah Souq & The Corniche at Muscat, Oman
- Spotting Underwater Turtles in Bandar Jissah, Yiti, Oman
- Plaza Premium Lounge, Muscat, Oman
- Etihad Airways Pearl Business Class, Muscat – Abu Dhabi
- The Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Dubai International Business Lounge, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Turkish Airlines Business Class, Dubai – Istanbul
- Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Istanbul – Zurich
- Swiss Airlines Senator Lounge “A”, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Airlines Business Class, Zurich – Warsaw
- The Hotel Bristol, Warsaw, Poland
- Strolling Old Town Warsaw, Poland
- Visiting the Remains of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and Parks of Warsaw, Poland
- LOT Business Lounge, Warsaw, Poland
- Lufthansa Business Class, Warsaw – Munich
- Lufthansa Business Class, Munich – Vancouver
Review: Plaza Premium Lounge, Muscat International Airport, Muscat, Oman
Checking into Etihad Pearl Business Class:
On arrival at the Muscat airport, we underwent a baggage screening on entry and checked in with Etihad at a general first and business class desk. Boarding passes were issued and a lounge invitation to the contract Plaza Premium Lounge was provided. Overall the airport general hall was pretty chaotic. There were also photographs of the Sultan of Oman figured prominently throughout the building.
I enjoyed the authentic dress that everyone was wearing in Oman. It was much more traditional than the neighbouring United Arab Emirates where many where wearing western dress.
Upon checking in, we were provided a lounge invitation to the Plaza Premium Lounge in Muscat, Oman. We collected duty free at a very large hall and returned to the Plaza Premium Lounge. Plaza Premium has a rather odd collection of locations, Singapore, Vancouver, Muscat and Hyderabad. This is the “number two” lounge here at Muscat with the flagship lounge being occupied by Oman Air.
Accessing the Plaza Premium Lounge:
There are several ways to access the Plaza Premium Lounge.
The Plaza Premium Lounge accepts reservations for entry on it’s website. The reservations are split into blocks of time ranging from two, to five hours and are priced at the time of writing at $29 USD for two hours or $42 USD for five hours.
The Plaza Premium Lounge network also partners with several credit cards to provide access. This includes many credit cards worldwide, which include DragonPass, LoungeKey, LoungeClub, Priority Pass and the Club. You do not need to make a reservation while using these systems.
For North American Card holders, the lounge is also part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which offers a suite of lounges available for access with it’s premium American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards. Access can be granted by presenting one of these cards.
Today’s access was provided by voucher issued from Etihad Airways.
Inside the Plaza Premium Lounge:
There was a long line up today of seventeen people to get into the lounge in a somewhat cumbersome entry process. This place seems to be part of every partner airline and credit card membership as based on the sign outside the door.
It was a bit of a dark space but thankfully it had attached washrooms given my delicate condition. The lounge itself did not have any exterior windows or other natural light, thanks to its inner facing orietnation.
Food and Beverage:
There was hot food and beverage available during our visit. I have found given the custom of lounges in the Middle East that they generally appear to be well catered and stocked with food, unlike our North American counterparts that generally just offer a room to hang out in and work on wifi, prior to any flight.
My Thoughts on the Plaza Premium Lounge:
The Plaza Premium Lounge in Oman was a perfectly functional place to hang out in prior to our flight. It offered loungers and a spacious place to wait prior to any flight. Aside from it being a little bit dark, it was nice to be able to stretch out a little bit prior to embarking on our journey back to the United Arab Emirates.
World Traveller 73 
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